NDS - Overview

Implementation of the National Drug Schedule Model Across Canada (as of 2016)

Alberta“ In most cases, Alberta follows the recommendations of the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC). There are only limited differences between Alberta’s schedule I and II and the national model. However, the number of drugs listed in schedule III in Alberta is substantially less than in the national model. This is because many of the products listed in schedule III nationally were available in nonpharmacy outlets prior to the adoption of the national process. Alberta will follow the future recommendations of the NDSAC. In most cases, scheduling changes will be made immediately upon the recommendations of NDSAC becoming effective. Due to the aforementioned differences, Alberta does maintain a list of its drug schedules on its website at http://www.pharmacists.ab.ca/
British ColumbiaThe National Drug Scheduling System was adopted in March 1998. However, scheduling decision must first be approved by the College of Pharmacists of BC (CPBC) and the BC government, and this causes a waiting period before scheduling decisions can be implemented in that province. The CPBC has submitted a request to the government for a By-law change to allow scheduling decisions to be adopted directly.
Provincial implementation time: 3 months.
ManitobaManitoba was the first province to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System model as the provincial model (“scheduling by reference” to the national model). This was done in September 1998. Scheduling amendments made to the National Drug Scheduling System are immediately effective in Manitoba.
New BrunswickNew Brunswick was the second province to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System model as the provincial model (“scheduling by reference”). This was done in January 1999. Scheduling amendments made to the National Drug Scheduling System are immediately effective in New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and LabradorThe National Drug Scheduling System was adopted in May 2001. However, scheduling decisions must first be approved by the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board, which causes a waiting period before scheduling decisions can be implemented in that province. There are no plans at the moment to adopt scheduling by reference.
Provincial implementation time: approximately 3 months.
Nova ScotiaIn July 2001, Nova Scotia became the fourth province to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System model as the provincial model (“scheduling by reference”). Scheduling amendments made to the National Drug Scheduling System are immediately effective in Nova Scotia.
OntarioOntario was the third province to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System model as the provincial model (“scheduling by reference”). This was done in April 1999. Scheduling amendments made to the National Drug Scheduling System are immediately effective in Ontario.
Prince Edward IslandProvincial Act was changed in 2006 to accommodate the National Drug Scheduling system by reference. PEI then became the fifth province to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System model ("scheduling by reference").
QuebecNo plans are underway for provincial adoption of the national model.

SaskatchewanLegislative changes to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System as the provincial model (“scheduling by reference”) were enabled in Saskatchewan in October 2015.Schedule III came into effect October 16, 2015 and Schedules I and II came into effect February 25, 2016. The process allows for provincial discretion to schedule exceptions. This combined with historical reasons, limited differences between the National Drug Schedules and the schedules in Saskatchewan occur from time to time. However, going forward, scheduling amendments made to the National Drug Schedules will be immediately effective in Saskatchewan, unless an exception is granted provincially based upon local conditions.

Northwest Territories
The Pharmacy Act of the Northwest Territories passed in 2007. Within the Act, a provision was cited to adopt the National Drug Scheduling System model ("scheduling by reference"). NWT is the sixth jurisdiction to adopt the model.

Nunavut
The Pharmacy Act of 2007 included an amendment to refer to NAPRA's National Drug Schedules as it becomes updated ("scheduling by reference"). Nunavut is the seventh jurisdiction to adopt the model.

YukonThe Yukon Pharmacy Act and Regulations passed in October 2010. Within the Act, a provision was cited to adopt the National Drug Schedules for the territory ("scheduling by reference"). Yukon is the eighth jurisdiction to adopt the model.